Motorcycle rider dies of injuries

PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY — A motorcyclist who was seriously injured when his bike collided with a sport utility vehicle on Pico Boulevard last month succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, Santa Monica police report.

Witnesses of the crash, which occurred near Cloverfield Boulevard on Feb. 24, told police that it appeared as if the man, identified as Frank Gauthier, 22, of Los Angeles, and another rider were racing westbound down Pico when the accident occured.

The other rider ditched his bike to avoid the collision, but Gauthier hit the rear passenger side of the vehicle, suffering severe head and body trauma. He was transported to a trauma center in critical condition.

Police continue to investigate the crash. Anyone with information pertaining to the incident is urged to contact investigators Chris Dawson or Jason Olson at (310) 458-5787.